Japan has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 2013 levels by the year 2035, as reported by the Ministry of the Environment.
Furthermore, the country aims to reduce emissions by 73% by fiscal year 2040, starting in April. This is part of their new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a voluntary commitment that must be submitted to the UN.
Paris Agreement and new goals for Japan
Under the Paris Agreement, each country must offer more ambitious reductions in emissions causing global warming by 2035, detailing the actions to achieve it.
Nearly 200 countries, including Japan, committed to submit their new plans by February 10, but only 10 did so on time, according to a UN database.
The Japanese ministry stated that their “ambitious goals are aligned with the global goal of reducing warming by 1.5ºC and on a direct path towards net-zero emissions by 2050″.
Strategic energy plan
Japan has also approved its latest Strategic Energy Plan, which includes the intention to make renewables their main source of energy by 2040.
With the world’s fourth-largest economy, Japan has the most polluting energy mix among the Group of Seven, according to environmentalists.
Benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has multiple benefits, including:
- Improved air quality: Emission reductions improve air quality, reducing respiratory diseases and enhancing public health.
- Economic growth: Transitioning to clean energies can drive economic growth and create green jobs.
- Prevention of natural disasters: Lower emissions help mitigate extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
- Biodiversity protection: Emission reductions help preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Reduction of health costs: Fewer pollution-related diseases reduce health costs and improve quality of life.
Cover photo: Efe/Epa/Kimimasa Mayama
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